OCCUPATION OF STRATEGIC POST BY PAK TROOPS

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LOK SABHA

Pakistan troops had not occupied any strategic post on the Indian side of Line of Control during July 2002. However, in the last week of July 2002, there was a minor Pakistan intrusion, approximately 800 meters on our side of Line of Control in the area of Point 3260, a relatively low feature having little tactical significance. The intrusion was evicted by appropriate action of ground troops and Air Force on August 02, 2002.

Point 3260 is not considered tactically important and viable for physical occupation by our own troops. Being in close proximity of the Line of Control and the area not being physically occupied, Pakistan troops and intruded into this area. However, since the area is regularly patrolled by our own troops, they observed presence of some Pakistan troops in the area of Point 3260 on July 26, 2002, a suitable action was taken by the Indian troops to evict the intrusion and to restore the sanctity of the Line of Control. As such, no inquiry was ordered into the incident.

No loss of life was suffered by Indian troops during conduct of this operation. Casualties to Pakistan troops are not known.

This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia and Smt Renuka Chowdhury in Lok Sabha today.